Ernie and Anna Smith Visiting Valley Grace
03/02/10
Here is some recent news:
Ernie's Health Issues:
On Friday, January 29th, Ernie woke up feeling a little run down with some tightness in his chest focused around his heart. He took an aspirin and later some nitro pills. This gave a little relief, Ernie decided that he needed to go see a cardiologist.
The cardiologist was going to send him for an immediate angiogram but found out that Ernie has had blood in his stool occasionally over several weeks. He therefore put Ernie immediately in the Casa Grande Hospital for observation and stabilization with medications and to have a stress test which in Ernie pasted on Monday.
Once released from the hospital, Ernie had an office visit on February 11th to schedule a colonoscopy. This procedure was done February 18. During the colonoscopy, the doctor found scar tissue from previous surgeries and removed a polyp.
Now we are waiting for the follow-up colonoscopy doctor's visit and release on March 5th and the heart doctor's release on March 8th. Ernie has not had any more bleeding and the new medications seem to be working - no chest pain. Praise the Lord for His help and touch.
Ukraine Field News
Home of Hope Ministry Center is making slow progress due to lack of finances and quite a bit remains to be done prior to inspection. The contractor is to meet with officials later this week to find out answers to questions about the inspection. Presently we are installing the hanging ceiling in the main sanctuary, which is over 3000 square feet and 32 feet from the floor. Please pray for safety of the workers as they install the ceiling, lights, and vents. The contractor estimated that it will take approximately $50,000.00 to finish the building for the final inspection. Please pray that God would bless His people in such a way they might meet this need. If God is leading you to help to meet this need, please send your check to WGM and mark it "Home of Hope" or "245-31475" - Thanks!
In January, Bill Tarr reported having bronchitis. The medicine did not seem to help, so he went to a pulmonologist. After a series of tests, the doctor determined that Bill has chronic bronchitis, which has a possibility of developing into asthma. The doctor mentioned that this is the worst area of Ukraine for respiratory problems. She strongly recommended that Bill return to the States for several months for medical treatment. WGM headquarters granted the Tarrs a three-month medical leave. Bill and Betsy Tarr are scheduled to return to the USA on March 7th. Please pray for Bill and Betsy during the days.
As a result of the Tarrs returning to USA for medical reasons, responsibilities of different ministries and administrations have been handed over to others. Frank Dewey has been given the work of field treasurer as well as director of the training institute, and Chris Dewey accepted the added responsibility of field hostess. Pray for the Deweys as they take up these new assignments.
Bill and Oksana Brower are heavily involved in Youth Ministries in the Berdyansk area. The Berdyansk Youth group is averaging around 50 youth. The Browers recently wrote: "The idea of the youth center is to give the young people in the area a safe place to hang-out while at the same time giving people in the church an opportunity to witness to the youth. Pray with Oksana and me that the church will see the ministry opportunities and become more involved or that we can adjust to whatever ministry opportunities the church sees in our community."
Monthly Support
YES, we still need your prayer and financial support.
Ernie will retire from WGM in June 2010. Anna will continue on missionary status until the end of 2011 when she will retire. Even after retiring in June, Ernie will still represent the field of Ukraine in churches as we travel.
Even in retirement we can use financial support as some benefits are charged against out ministry account. Any funds over a minimal base amount set by WGM, a missionary can use funds from his/her ministry account to assist with WGM approved projects such as the Home of Hope Ministry Center, orphanage and/or youth outreach, church planting, etc.
If you have any questions about this please write, email, or call. Thank you for your prayers and support over the years.
Ernie's Health Issues:
On Friday, January 29th, Ernie woke up feeling a little run down with some tightness in his chest focused around his heart. He took an aspirin and later some nitro pills. This gave a little relief, Ernie decided that he needed to go see a cardiologist.
The cardiologist was going to send him for an immediate angiogram but found out that Ernie has had blood in his stool occasionally over several weeks. He therefore put Ernie immediately in the Casa Grande Hospital for observation and stabilization with medications and to have a stress test which in Ernie pasted on Monday.
Once released from the hospital, Ernie had an office visit on February 11th to schedule a colonoscopy. This procedure was done February 18. During the colonoscopy, the doctor found scar tissue from previous surgeries and removed a polyp.
Now we are waiting for the follow-up colonoscopy doctor's visit and release on March 5th and the heart doctor's release on March 8th. Ernie has not had any more bleeding and the new medications seem to be working - no chest pain. Praise the Lord for His help and touch.
Ukraine Field News
Home of Hope Ministry Center is making slow progress due to lack of finances and quite a bit remains to be done prior to inspection. The contractor is to meet with officials later this week to find out answers to questions about the inspection. Presently we are installing the hanging ceiling in the main sanctuary, which is over 3000 square feet and 32 feet from the floor. Please pray for safety of the workers as they install the ceiling, lights, and vents. The contractor estimated that it will take approximately $50,000.00 to finish the building for the final inspection. Please pray that God would bless His people in such a way they might meet this need. If God is leading you to help to meet this need, please send your check to WGM and mark it "Home of Hope" or "245-31475" - Thanks!
In January, Bill Tarr reported having bronchitis. The medicine did not seem to help, so he went to a pulmonologist. After a series of tests, the doctor determined that Bill has chronic bronchitis, which has a possibility of developing into asthma. The doctor mentioned that this is the worst area of Ukraine for respiratory problems. She strongly recommended that Bill return to the States for several months for medical treatment. WGM headquarters granted the Tarrs a three-month medical leave. Bill and Betsy Tarr are scheduled to return to the USA on March 7th. Please pray for Bill and Betsy during the days.
As a result of the Tarrs returning to USA for medical reasons, responsibilities of different ministries and administrations have been handed over to others. Frank Dewey has been given the work of field treasurer as well as director of the training institute, and Chris Dewey accepted the added responsibility of field hostess. Pray for the Deweys as they take up these new assignments.
Bill and Oksana Brower are heavily involved in Youth Ministries in the Berdyansk area. The Berdyansk Youth group is averaging around 50 youth. The Browers recently wrote: "The idea of the youth center is to give the young people in the area a safe place to hang-out while at the same time giving people in the church an opportunity to witness to the youth. Pray with Oksana and me that the church will see the ministry opportunities and become more involved or that we can adjust to whatever ministry opportunities the church sees in our community."
Monthly Support
YES, we still need your prayer and financial support.
Ernie will retire from WGM in June 2010. Anna will continue on missionary status until the end of 2011 when she will retire. Even after retiring in June, Ernie will still represent the field of Ukraine in churches as we travel.
Even in retirement we can use financial support as some benefits are charged against out ministry account. Any funds over a minimal base amount set by WGM, a missionary can use funds from his/her ministry account to assist with WGM approved projects such as the Home of Hope Ministry Center, orphanage and/or youth outreach, church planting, etc.
If you have any questions about this please write, email, or call. Thank you for your prayers and support over the years.
| There
two great opportunities to spend time with Ernie and Anna Smith and
hear about God’s work in the Ukraine. They will be sharing in
the worship service on March 21. Also, a potluck luncheon is set
for 12:30 PM on Saturday the 20th at the church. This will be a
more relaxed time for extended conversation. Come and be
inspired! |